By Sangeen Baluch
The sea ‘زر’ of Baluchistan, which is considered the property of Pakistan according to the state, has been used by Pakistan to advance its relationships with foreign countries. Meanwhile, the people living in coastal areas such as Gwadar and Jiwani, to this day, do not have access to clean water or a suitable standard of living; in other words, they remain thirsty. For a single bottle of water, they travel long distances on foot—around 20 to 30 kilometers—and the water for which they take such risks is not even clean, or, we can say, it is not fit for drinking; even cows and other animals drink from the same source. Life is extremely unbearable, and poverty is evident everywhere.
The people of Baluchistan, the Baloch, continue to suffer, while others in Pakistan enjoy and take advantage of the region’s resources. Despite the patience shown by the Baloch and their silence, often out of fear of the state in urban areas, those in the mountains may seek to change the fate of their people by undertaking actions that could be both surprising and, at the same time, shocking.
As we know, in the 1970s, Baloch people began an armed struggle that has continued to this day, producing extreme outcomes in terms of control over the region and exposing the weakness of the enemy. After launching “QAHAR” in April 2026, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) also announced a new initiative: to safeguard Baloch waters, it established the Hammal Maritime Defence Force (HMDF), its official naval wing.
This specialist naval unit has been named by the BLA in honor of the legendary Baloch resistance leader, Hammal Jeehand Baloch. The valiant figure of history, Hammal Jeehand Baloch, used his military acumen to resist foreign conquerors and establish naval resistance against Portuguese colonization in the sixteenth century. He remains a symbol of bravery, honor, and maritime defense for the Baloch people. His legacy demonstrates that national spirit and guerrilla tactics can prevail even against a resource-rich colonial power. By adopting this name, the BLA reaffirms that its present struggle is a continuation of this historical legacy. The Hammal Maritime Defence Force, in this view, aims to expel modern occupiers from Baloch waters, just as Hammal Jeehand resisted Portuguese expansion.
Through this initiative, the Baloch Liberation Army seeks to convey that the Baloch national movement has reached a stage where the enemy will find both land and maritime domains increasingly contested. The Baloch seas, where fishermen face economic hardship and where coastal areas have been militarized, are described by the group as having been exploited for years by Pakistan and its allies. The establishment of the Hammal Maritime Defence Force is presented as the beginning of a national naval capability intended to defend coastal areas, challenge naval operations, and prevent the exploitation of maritime resources.
Later, the Baloch Liberation Army shared details of the HMDF monogram. The insignia consists of several symbolic elements reflecting its principles: the white-billed sea eagle represents vigilance and precision; the anchor signifies stability and control; the rope reflects discipline and seamanship; the crossed rifles indicate constant readiness; the compass emphasizes navigation and operational reach; and the stars symbolize excellence and national aspiration. The color scheme further reinforces these meanings, with dark blue representing the “Deep Blue Sea,” endurance, and commitment, while white reflects clarity, discipline, and structured execution.
This new unit launched its first operation on Monday, April 12, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM in Mil Tiyab, in the Jiwani district of Gwadar, targeting a Pakistani Navy patrol boat. According to BLA statements, three naval personnel—Naik Afzal, Sepoy Jameel, and Sepoy Umar—were killed during the attack, and the assailants withdrew safely afterward.
How surprising that how easily, in the morning, BLA fighters reportedly entered the coastal area of Jiwani, moved into the sea, seized a vessel, and carried out the attack on a patrol ship carrying three Pakistani security personnel. All three were killed, and the fighters returned safely. This incident is presented as a significant development highlighting the BLA’s operational reach and the challenges faced by the state.
A video depicting the assault on the Pakistan Coast Guard in Jiwani, Gwadar, was released simultaneously with the announcement. The two-minute and thirty-two-second footage, published on the organization’s official channel, shows the first operational activity of the new sub-force. In the video, four masked individuals are seen advancing toward the sea with modern weapons. Before the attack, they deliver a message in Baloch asserting that the land and sea belong to the Baloch people and emphasizing sacrifice and resistance.
The Baloch Liberation Army used this operation as a warning that its military reach is no longer confined to mountains and cities but now extends into maritime domains, including naval assets and infrastructure. It further declared that such attacks would continue until their objectives are achieved.
As I wrote before, the way the Baloch Liberation Army has presented itself as a military power in Baluchistan—and as an actor within broader regional dynamics—has provoked strong reactions. These actions have serious consequences, affecting individuals and disrupting peace within the state of Pakistan. Since the beginning of this year, the BLA has claimed numerous operations in Baluchistan, including “Herof II,” followed by dozens of attacks, and most recently, on April 26, when it announced more than 40 attacks through its official channel. These are framed by the group as achievements of its armed struggle.
The statement itself functions as a form of strategic messaging, intended to demonstrate that Pakistan is gradually losing control over Baluchistan while the BLA continues to project its military capability. It also reflects a broader narrative of resistance, identity, and territorial claim, emphasizing differences in language, culture, and historical experience.
For Pakistan, this situation requires serious reflection. How can a group that demonstrates organizational detail, even in symbolic representations such as a monogram, continue to challenge state authority so effectively? While official narratives emphasize control, areas such as Jiwani in Gwadar district remain unstable. Promises of development, including those associated with Gwadar and projects like CPEC, contrast with ongoing security concerns. Roads remain unsafe, and both local populations and foreign interests, including Chinese personnel, have faced repeated threats, leading many to rely on air travel instead. These conditions indicate persistent security challenges.
I believe this reflects a phase in which the Baloch Liberation Army is expanding its operational scope. It is no longer limited to mountainous or urban areas; with initiatives such as “QAHAR,” involving drone capabilities, and now the Hammal Maritime Defence Force, its presence is being extended into aerial and maritime domains.
This development could have significant implications for the people of Gwadar. For local communities facing economic hardship and water scarcity, it may encourage greater assertion of rights over natural resources, including access to the sea for livelihood and survival. At the same time, such actions may also intensify fear, disrupt existing relationships with external actors, and further complicate the region’s political and security environment.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.